London’s oldest whisky shop is Milroy’s of Soho on Greek Street – it’s been sitting chicly there since 1964. Now The Vault has opened in the basement, which is hidden behind a secret bookcase door. Trust us this hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long. During the London: Collections Men in June, Dunhill held a secret after-after party in there, for a very select number of guests – Grazia included, obviously.
Headed up by Simo, executive director of Milroy’s, and bar manager Natalino – the Vault’s speciality is seasonal cocktails with home-infused spirits. Certainly not your run of the mill classics so often found in Soho. There's also a selection of craft beers and fine wines available.
Grazia was recently invited down for the launch of the new summer cocktail menu – we sampled 20 cocktails and a selection of beers, (including Milroy’s own IPA infused with Darjeeling tea) and were encouraged to rate the 20, to edit down to a final 12, and come up with names. Thankfully Spanish nibbles were on hand to soak up some of the liquids consumed – as it was, some of the names conjured up by the samplers are best not repeated in polite company.
Our favourites included the Detox-Retox – apple, cucumber, celery & spinach vodka blend with lemon sorbet – which was practically a health tonic; and Red Rimmer – Mezcal, japapeno pepper, agave, lime, grapefruit with a spiced rim – you ‘d have to prise us away from a tray of those. Top of our list is also The Great Escape, a peaty Scotch with crushed grapes, orange bitters and Pineau des Chanters.
The summer menu offers something for everyone, with a wonderful ambience in a hidden speakeasy in the centre of Soho – what more could one want?
- Marc Morgan